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arXiv:1007.4010 · Physical Review A

Versatile ytterbium ion trap experiment for operation of scalable ion-trap chips with motional heating and transition-frequency measurements

James J. McLoughlin, Altaf Hussain Nizamani, James Siverns, R. C. Sterling, Marcus D. Hughes, Bjoern Lekitsch, Björn Stein, Sebastian Weidt, W. K. Hensinger

Published Jan 21, 2011• 46 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We present the design and operation of an ytterbium ion trap experiment with a setup offering versatile optical access and 90 electrical interconnects that can host advanced surface and multilayer ion trap chips mounted on chip carriers. We operate a macroscopic ion trap compatible with this chip carrier design and characterize its performance, demonstrating secular frequencies $>$1 MHz, and trap and cool nearly all of the stable isotopes, including $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$ ions, as well as ion crystals. For this particular trap we measure the motional heating rate $\ensuremath{\langle}\mathrm{n\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ and observe an $\ensuremath{\langle}\mathrm{n\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{\propto}1/{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}$ behavior for different secular frequencies $\ensuremath{\omega}$. We also determine a spectral noise density ${S}_{E}(1 \mathrm{MHz})=3.6(9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ ${\mathrm{V}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ Hz${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at an ion electrode spacing of 310(10) $\ensuremath{\mu}$m. We describe the experimental setup for trapping and cooling Yb${}^{+}$ ions and provide frequency measurements of the ${}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}}^{2}$${P}_{1/2}$ and ${}^{2}{D}_{3/2}{\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}}^{3}$$D[3/2]{}_{1/2}$ transitions for the stable $^{170}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$, $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$, $^{172}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$, $^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$, and $^{176}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}$ isotopes which are more precise than previously published work.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.83.013406

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Trapped ions are currently one of the most promising architectures for realising the quantum information processor. The long lived internal states are ideal for representing qubit states and, through controlled interactions with electromagnetic radiation, ions can be manipulated to execute coherent logic operations. In this thesis an experiment capable of trapping Yb+ ions, including 171Yb+, is presented. Since ion energy can limit the coherence of qubit manipulations, characterisation of an ion trap heating rate is vital. Using a trapped 174Yb+ ion a heating rate consistent with previous measurements of other ion species in similar ion traps is obtained. This result shows abnormal heating of Yb+ does not occur, further solidifying the suitability of this species for quantum information processing. Efficient creation, and cooling of trapped ions requires exact wavelengths for the ionising, cooling and repump transitions. A simple technique to measure the 1S0 ? 1P1 transition wavelengths, required for isotope selective photoionisation of neutral Yb, is developed. Using the technique new wavelengths, accurate to 60 MHz, are obtained and differ from previously published results by 660 MHz. Through a simple modification the technique can also predict Doppler shifted transition frequencies, which may be required in non-perpendicular atom-laser interactions. Using trapped ions, the 2S1=2 ? 2P1/2 Doppler cooling and 2D3/2 ? 2D[3/2]1/2 repump transitions are also measured to a greater accuracy than previously reported. Many experiments require wavelengths which can only be obtained using complex expensive laser systems. To remedy this a simple cost effective laser is developed to enable laser diodes to be operated at sub zero temperatures, extending the range of obtainable wavelengths. Additional diode modulation capabilities allow for the manipulation of atoms and ions with hyperfine structures. The laser is shown to be suitable for manipulating Yb+ ions by cooling a diode from 372 nm to 369 nm and simultaneously generating 2.1 GHz frequency sidebands. Coherent manipulation such as arbitrary qubit rotations, motional coupling and ground state cooling, are required for trapped ion quantum computing. Two photon stimulated Raman transitions are identified as a suitable technique to implement all of these requirements and an investigation into implementing this technique with 171Yb+ is conducted. The possibility of exciting a Raman transition via either a dipole or quadrupole transitions in 171Yb+ is analysed, with dipole transitions preferred because quadrupole transitions are found to be too demanding experimentally. An inexpensive setup, utilising a dipole transition, is designed and tested. Although currently limited the setup shows potential to be an inexpensive, high fidelity method of exciting a Raman transition.

•Apr 20, 2012•1 citation
We present the design and operation of an ytterbium ion trap experiment with a setup offering versatile optical access and 90 electrical interconnects that can host advanced surface and multilayer ion trap chips mounted on chip carriers. We operate a macroscopic ion trap compatible with this chip carrier design and characterize its performance, demonstrating secular frequencies >>>1 MHz, and trap and cool nearly all of the stable isotopes, including ^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+} ions, as well as ion crystals. For this particular trap we measure the motional heating rate \ensuremath⟨n\ifmmode˙\else˙\fi\ensuremath⟩\ensuremath{\langle}\mathrm{n\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath⟨n\ifmmode˙\else˙\fi\ensuremath⟩ and observe an \ensuremath⟨n\ifmmode˙\else˙\fi\ensuremath⟩\ensuremath∝1/\ensuremathω2\ensuremath{\langle}\mathrm{n\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{\propto}1/{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}\ensuremath⟨n\ifmmode˙\else˙\fi\ensuremath⟩\ensuremath∝1/\ensuremathω2 behavior for different secular frequencies \ensuremathω\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremathω. We also determine a spectral noise density SE(1MHz)=3.6(9)\ifmmode×\else\texttimes\fi10\ensuremath−11{S}_{E}(1 \mathrm{MHz})=3.6(9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}SE​(1MHz)=3.6(9)\ifmmode×\else\texttimes\fi10\ensuremath−11 V2{\mathrm{V}}^{2}V2 m\ensuremath−2{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}m\ensuremath−2 Hz\ensuremath−1{}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath−1 at an ion electrode spacing of 310(10) \ensuremathμ\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremathμm. We describe the experimental setup for trapping and cooling Yb+{}^{+}+ ions and provide frequency measurements of the {}^{2}{S}_{1/2}{\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}}^{2}$${P}_{1/2} and {}^{2}{D}_{3/2}{\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}}^{3}$$D[3/2]{}_{1/2} transitions for the stable ^{170}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}, ^{171}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}, ^{172}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}, ^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+}, and ^{176}\mathrm{Yb}$${}^{+} isotopes which are more precise than previously published work.
Trapped ions in linear Paul traps are largely isolated from interaction with the environment. This property of trapped ions make them a primary choice for quantum technology. \nOver the last decade, trapped atomic ions in linear radio frequency Paul traps have shown to be an important tool to implement quantum algorithms. The scalability of linear ion \ntraps is required to handle large numbers of qubits, in order to implement useful quantum computation. Advance micro-fabrication technology allows the realisation of scalable ion traps. Further developments of micro-trap designs, for the purpose of scalable quantum technology, requires inter-disciplinary investigations of ion traps. Micro-scale ion trap designs typically require a versatile experimental setup. The first part of this thesis describes such an experimental setup including a chip bracket that can host macroscopic ion traps as well as advanced symmetric and asymmetric ion trap chips with up to 90 control electrodes. The system provides versatile optical access for both type of traps and the vacuum chamber is designed in a way so the ion traps can be replaced within a short amount of time. To test the working of the setup, a macroscopic ion trap with an ion-electrode distance of 310±10 μm is used to trap ytterbium ions (Yb+). The trap is characterised by measuring the heating rate, (n•), and spectral noise density SE(ω). A \nphotoionisation technique is used to ionise the different isotopes of Yb in our trap. Isotope selective photoionisation requires exact measurements of 1So↔1P1 transition for the different Yb isotopes. A technique to measure these resonant frequencies is described. \nThis technique works by observing and aligning fluorescence spots and by using this technique, the 1So↔1P1 transition frequencies for stable isotopes of Yb were measured with an accuracy of 60 MHz. These new measured transition frequencies for stable Yb isotopes differ from previously published work by 660 MHz. Furthermore, this technique can also be used to obtain the transition frequencies at different laser-atomic beam angles, typical for non-perpendicular laser-atomic beam angles. The second part of this thesis discusses the optimisation of surface trap geometries as they are being used to implement scalable ion trap designs which consist of a large number of trapping zones. The trap depth in surface traps is low compared to symmetric traps of similar dimensions. How to optimise the trap geometry to achieve maximum trap depth for a given ion height above the trap electrodes, is discussed. Fast and adiabatic ion shuttling operations in one dimension as well as ion separation and recombination processes are important for many quantum information implementations. The maximum speed of separation of trapped ions for adiabatic shuttling operations depends on the secular frequencies, the trapped ion experiences in the process. It will be shown how such ion trap structures have to be designed for fast ion separation process and linear shuttling. Numerical results of adiabatic shuttling operations for trapped ions in such trap structures are also presented.
Over the past 15 years ion traps have demonstrated all the building blocks required of a quantum computer. Despite this success, trapping ions remains a challenging task, with the requirement for extensive laser systems and vacuum systems to perform operations on only a handful of qubits. To scale these proof of principle experiments into something that can outperform a classical computer requires an advancement in the trap technologies that will allow multiple trapping zones, junctions and utilize scalable fabrication technologies. I will discuss the construction of an ion trapping experiment, focussing on my work towards the laser stabilization and ion trap design but also covering the experimental setup as a whole. The vacuum system that I designed allows the mounting and testing of a variety of ion trap chips, with versatile optical access and a fast turn around time. I will also present the design and fabrication of a microfabricated Y junction and a 2- dimensional ion trap lattice. I achieve a suppression of barrier height and small variation of secular frequency through the Y junction, aiding to the junctions applicability to adiabatic shuttling operations. I also report the design and fabrication of a 2-D ion trap lattice. Such structures have been proposed as a means to implement quantum simulators and to my knowledge is the first microfabricated lattice trap. Electrical testing of the trap structures was undertaken to investigate the breakdown voltage of microfabricated structures with both static and radio frequency voltages. The results from these tests negate the concern over reduced rf voltage breakdown and in fact demonstrates breakdown voltages significantly above that typically required for ion trapping. This may allow ion traps to be designed to operate with higher voltages and greater ion-electrode separations, reducing anomalous heating. Lastly I present my work towards the implementation of magnetic fields gradients and microwaves on chip. This may allow coupling of the ions internal state to its motion using microwaves, thus reducing the requirements for the use of laser systems.
The experiment including the trapping of a single 171Yb+^{{171}}{\text{Y}}{{{\text{b}}}^{ + }}171Yb+ ion into a planar Paul trap, spectroscopy of the quadrupole |2S1/2,F=0⟩↔|2D3/2,F=2⟩{{{\text{|}}}^{2}}{{S}_{{1/2}}},F = 0\rangle \leftrightarrow {{{\text{|}}}^{2}}{{D}_{{3/2}}},F = 2\rangle |2S1/2​,F=0⟩↔|2D3/2​,F=2⟩ transition, observation of Rabi oscillations at this transition, and measurement of secular frequencies has been reported. The ion heating rates have been determined to be nˉ\bar {n}nˉ = (840 ± 100) s –1 . This result is an important step towards a scalable ion quantum computer.
In this thesis, the next generation of the ion trapping setup has been designed, constructed, and successfully implemented for studying quantum information science at the University of Bonn. The new setup is designed to include an optical cavity as the endcap electrodes of a linear radio-frequency ion trap. In view of this, a novel method to drive the linear ion trap is invented to apply two-phase radio-frequency voltage. In addition to this, a new method to directly bias all the electrodes of the ion trap with DC voltages is implemented in order to control the static electric fields along all directions. Using these methods, over 6 ytterbium ions in a linear Coulomb crystal can been trapped, and radial trapping frequencies of over 1.2 MHz have been observed using the aforementioned methods. Low axial-micromotion for over 65 µm along the axis of the ion trap has been observed, although the endcap electrodes are just as close to the trapped ions as the linear electrodes. In view of finding a novel approach for photonic interfacing the Yb ions, the lower-lying energy levels involving inner-shell electron excitations are investigated in this thesis. By considering their properties, the 2D3/2 → 4f13 (2Fo5/2)5d6s(3D) 3[5/2]o3/2 transition is successfully interrogated using direct laser excitation for the first time to the best of my knowledge. The transition frequency is measured to be 603013350 ± 162 MHz for the isotope 174Yb. In addition to the study of quantum information science, the new ion trap -- optical cavity setup is also considered for the experimental investigation of microscopic thermodynamics. In view of this, the Hamiltonian of the complete system is derived and compared with the theoretical models of Hamiltonian engines. Various non-linear terms occurring in the system Hamiltonian are described for studying the concept of ignition in a future single ion engine in our linear ion trap.
We present measurements of the motional heating rate of a trapped ion at different trap frequencies and temperatures between $\ensuremath{\sim}0.6$ and 1.5 MHz and $\ensuremath{\sim}4$ and 295 K. Additionally, we examine the possible effect of adsorbed surface contaminants with boiling points below $\ensuremath{\sim}105{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$ by measuring the ion heating rate before and after locally baking our ion trap chip under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. We compare the heating rates presented here to those calculated from available electric-field noise models. We can tightly constrain a subset of these models based on their expected frequency and temperature scaling interdependence. Discrepancies between the measured results and predicted values point to the need for refinement of theoretical noise models in order to more fully understand the mechanisms behind motional trapped-ion heating.
Trapped ions are currently one of the most promising architectures for realising the quantum information processor. The long lived internal states are ideal for representing qubit states and, through controlled interactions with electromagnetic radiation, ions can be manipulated to execute coherent logic operations. In this thesis an experiment capable of trapping Yb+ ions, including 171Yb+, is presented. Since ion energy can limit the coherence of qubit manipulations, characterisation of an ion trap heating rate is vital. Using a trapped 174Yb+ ion a heating rate consistent with previous measurements of other ion species in similar ion traps is obtained. This result shows abnormal heating of Yb+ does not occur, further solidifying the suitability of this species for quantum information processing. Efficient creation, and cooling of trapped ions requires exact wavelengths for the ionising, cooling and repump transitions. A simple technique to measure the 1S0 ? 1P1 transition wavelengths, required for isotope selective photoionisation of neutral Yb, is developed. Using the technique new wavelengths, accurate to 60 MHz, are obtained and differ from previously published results by 660 MHz. Through a simple modification the technique can also predict Doppler shifted transition frequencies, which may be required in non-perpendicular atom-laser interactions. Using trapped ions, the 2S1=2 ? 2P1/2 Doppler cooling and 2D3/2 ? 2D[3/2]1/2 repump transitions are also measured to a greater accuracy than previously reported. Many experiments require wavelengths which can only be obtained using complex expensive laser systems. To remedy this a simple cost effective laser is developed to enable laser diodes to be operated at sub zero temperatures, extending the range of obtainable wavelengths. Additional diode modulation capabilities allow for the manipulation of atoms and ions with hyperfine structures. The laser is shown to be suitable for manipulating Yb+ ions by cooling a diode from 372 nm to 369 nm and simultaneously generating 2.1 GHz frequency sidebands. Coherent manipulation such as arbitrary qubit rotations, motional coupling and ground state cooling, are required for trapped ion quantum computing. Two photon stimulated Raman transitions are identified as a suitable technique to implement all of these requirements and an investigation into implementing this technique with 171Yb+ is conducted. The possibility of exciting a Raman transition via either a dipole or quadrupole transitions in 171Yb+ is analysed, with dipole transitions preferred because quadrupole transitions are found to be too demanding experimentally. An inexpensive setup, utilising a dipole transition, is designed and tested. Although currently limited the setup shows potential to be an inexpensive, high fidelity method of exciting a Raman transition.